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Government Delivers Hope for BC Residents Affected by Diabetes
Investment in diabetes a step in the right direction.
VANCOUVER, BC (Nov. 14, 2008) – The Canadian Diabetes Association applauds today’s announcement by the Government of British Columbia to extend its commitment to residents living with and affected by type 1, or insulin dependent, diabetes.
“The Canadian Diabetes Association applauds the Government of BC for taking action on the seriousness of diabetes and its complications,” said Karen Philp, Vice President, Public Policy and Government Relations, Canadian Diabetes Association. “Increasing access to insulin pumps for children under 18 and pump supplies for all will vastly improve the chances of avoiding the devastating and costly complications of diabetes. In fact, today’s announcement will also help reduce the burden on hospitals and healthcare providers by helping children and their families to better control their diabetes everyday.”
Some of the highlights for BC residents living with diabetes include:
- $1.5 million annually to provide approximately 200 new insulin pumps each year to children 18 and under living with type 1 diabetes;
- Coverage for insulin pump reservoirs for patients of all ages who use insulin pumps to manage their diabetes.
“This new investment in diabetes will bring significant benefits to the BC healthcare system and benefit all residents,” said Jean Blake, Executive Director, Executive Director, Pacific Area, Canadian Diabetes Association. “This investment will also help keep BC’s economy productive and competitive.”
Every twenty minutes someone in BC is diagnosed with diabetes. The increasing number of people diagnosed with diabetes places serious pressure on BC’s healthcare system by contributing to longer wait times and emergency room overcrowding. One in 10 hospital admissions in BC is due to people requiring acute care for heart attacks, strokes or kidney failure resulting from diabetes.
The Canadian Diabetes Association works in communities across the country to promote the health of Canadians and eliminate diabetes through our strong nationwide network of volunteers, employees, healthcare professionals, researchers, partners and supporters. In the struggle against this global epidemic, our expertise is recognized around the world. The Canadian Diabetes Association: setting the world standard. To learn more, visit diabetes.ca or call 1-800-BANTING (226-8464).
For more information, please contact:
Jeremy Brace
Manager, National Media Relations
Canadian Diabetes Association
416-671-2155
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